Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Project (OFSP)

To introduce, increase knowledge and build capacity in the production and utilization of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato among farmers in 5 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano state.

This project was the first of its kind to introduce orange-­fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) into Kano state, Nigeria as a way of diversifying the local diets and improving nutrition.

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties Contains Beta-carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, which is known to reduce the rate of diseases and deaths in children 0-5 years by 29%. One  small root of OFSP, weighing 125 grams, can supply the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for children and non-­lactating women (300-­700 micrograms Retinol Activity  Equivalents (RAE). As a result, the cultivation of OFSP by smallholder farmers and the utilization and consumption of OFSP foods were enhanced in 5- targeted  LGAs in Kano state; Bunkure, Dawakin Kudu, Garko, Bichi and Garum Mallam LGAs.

eHA delivered this integrated agriculture and nutrition intervention in collaboration with Kano state Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), International Potato Centre (CIP), and Women Farmers Advance Network (WOFAN). The project was implemented as part of the diversification component of the Walmart funded German cooperation (GIZ) project, known as the Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI) project, which was focused on improving local rice production in Nigeria.

The project outputs included:

• Training on good agricultural practices for OFSP cultivation and utilization for target farmers

• Training on the production and utilization of OFSP for extension agents.

• Production of a manual on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for OFSP

• Production of an OFSP recipe guide which covered household, commercial and weaning baby food preparatory methods

Project Outcomes:

Increased awareness of the nutritional importance of OFSP among farming household

Increased knowledge and built capacity for  production and processing of OFSP

Increased production and uptake of OFSP in the target LGAs